One point I did not mention but is important is to make the effort to take a look at the aircraft belly. Evidence of engine compartment oil or fuel leaks will often only be on the belly so get on you knees and take a good look.
Good point! Other than that, nothing much to add, except that
- I check the ASI is working during the t/o run
- always dial in the next expected frequency in the standby box, so no fuddling about upon frequency change (and keep listening out on the old one for a few seconds before switching)
Phone off is a legal requirement in UK
Reference for that in private ops? Mine is always 'on' for the reasons quoted in some posts above. Some countries, e.g. Austria, even print the phone nos of the local ATC units on the charts to be used in case of radio failure.